Pemberton community to chip in

Proceeds from golf tournament to offset Rotary, chamber
initiatives

Two local service organization hope to build their coffers with
a new golf tournament to be held Friday, Sept. 8 at the Pemberton Valley Golf
and Country Club (PVGCC).

The Pemberton Rotary Club and Chamber of Commerce hope this
joint fundraising effort will build not only their respective bank accounts,
but also the community.

“We’re calling it the ‘first annual’ because we really want it to
happen every year. It’s really a community event. It’s about getting out there
and playing with all your buddies and other people you know and having a great
time,” said organizer Lizz Kelly.

And while they’re having a great time, they’ll be helping offset
the costs of current and future projects for both organizations.

“Speaking for Rotary, some of the projects we’d be using
tournament proceeds for include Notta Park, building a boathouse at One Mile
Lake for storing the dragon boats and a bursary for a graduating student of
Pemberton Senior Secondary.”

Kelly, a member of Rotary, also manages marketing and events
for the event’s main sponsor, The Backcountry Adventure Club. She thinks the
event and the sponsor are a natural fit.

“The Backcountry Adventure Club sponsored the event because of
its community involvement and commitment to showcasing the beauty of the
Pemberton Valley.”

Brian Young, who manages the PVGCC, is also president of the
local Rotary club and a chamber director, came up with the idea.

“We both saw a need to raise money that stays in Pemberton,”
said Young. “The chamber is working on the info centre. We’ve just taken over
the Spirit Committee, we’re working towards the Olympics, and we’re working
towards securing an economic development officer. All those things need to be
funded.”